World War Photos

P-47 44-20230

36th Fighter Group (36th FG)

Service Overview and Transition

• Early Service: The 36th Fighter Group initially served as part of the defense force for the Caribbean area and the Panama Canal.
• Return to the USA: In the summer of 1943, the group returned to the United States to transition to the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a robust and heavily armed fighter-bomber.

Deployment to Europe and Pre-D-Day Operations

• Move to England: The group relocated to England in March and April 1944, establishing a base of operations at Kingsnorth on April 5, 1944.
• Combat Operations Begin: On May 8, 1944, the 36th FG began conducting armed reconnaissance, escort missions, and interdiction sorties. These operations were in preparation for the D-Day invasion, focusing on disrupting German communications and transport networks.

Role in the Normandy Invasion and Subsequent Operations

• D-Day and Normandy: During the invasion period, the 36th FG played a critical role in patrolling the landing zones and providing close air support to Allied ground forces.
• Move to France: In July 1944, the group moved to France and provided crucial air support during the breakthrough at St. Lô and the subsequent Third Army offensive. For its outstanding performance against German forces south of the Loire River, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) in September 1944.

Operations in Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge

• Move to Belgium: In October 1944, the 36th FG moved to Belgium to support the Ninth Army. From there, it took part in the Battle of the Bulge, a major German counteroffensive that took place in the Ardennes region.
• Roer River Assault: In February 1945, the group supported the First Army’s assault on the Roer River, providing air cover and attacking German positions.

Final Operations and Second Distinguished Unit Citation

• Remagen and the Rhine Crossing: In March 1945, the group participated in operations against the Remagen bridge and supported the airborne crossing of the Rhine River, contributing to the final Allied push into Germany.
• Airfield Attacks in Bavaria: The group received a second DUC in April 1945 for its relentless attacks on German airfields in Bavaria, which were conducted from bases captured earlier in the campaign.

Post-VE Day and Return to the USA

• Post-War Service in Germany: After Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the 36th FG remained in Germany for occupation duties until February 1946.
• Return to the USA: In February 1946, the group returned to the United States, where it was inactivated, without personnel or equipment, following the deactivation of the 9th Air Force.

Key Units and Bases

• Squadrons:

  • 22nd Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [3T]
  • 23rd Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [7U]
  • 53rd Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [6V]

• Bases of Operation:

  • Kingsnorth, England: (April 5, 1944)
  • Brucheville, France: (July 7, 1944)
  • Le Mans, France: (August 23, 1944)
  • Athis, France: (September 23, 1944)
  • Juvincourt, France: (October 1, 1944)
  • Le Culot, Belgium: (October 23, 1944)
  • Aachen, Germany: (March 28, 1945)
  • Neidermennig, Germany: (April 8, 1945)
  • Kassel/Rothwesten, Germany: (April 21, 1945)

Commanding Officers

• Lt. Col. Van H. Slayden
• Lt. Col. Paul P. Douglas Jr. (April 1945)
• Lt. Col. John L. Wright (June 30, 1945)
• Maj. Arthur W. Holdemess Jr. (September 25, 1945)
• Lt. Col. William T. McBride (November 9, 1945)

Aircraft and Markings

• Aircraft: The group operated the P-47 Thunderbolt throughout its service in Europe, known for its ruggedness and firepower.
• Squadron Markings:
  • 22nd FS: Red cowling and partial fin and rudder.
  • 23rd FS: Yellow cowling and partial fin and rudder.
  • 53rd FS: Blue cowling and partial fin and rudder.